Cantrell Chronicles

Working Within the System, a Cantrell Chronicles update, Chapter Eight

Viscount Joseph Cantrell had a great conversation with Sir Drake Golden. Both parents intended to have their offspring attend university, but sending young nobles to live on campus could be problematic; in fact, Lady Alexandra stressed to the Viscount just how bad an idea it truly was.  Joseph knew his kids would be all right, he already knew that Erik was all about the People, too, as were the others.

Joseph also became aware that his only sister was all for the stodgy Royals. What a snob she has become, since I left, he groused to himself. Louise was the only holdout, leaning toward the royals, herself. She and Alexandra got on right away. Taking Alexandra’s advice, all the same, he chatted to Drake about it, who was planning on sending just one of the triplets through higher learning at this time. Kayleigh was the only one who held her grades and graduated early.  But what was he to do? She needed to be around other kids, and not just her siblings.

In only a minute’s contemplation, the Viscount was smiling.  “If it won’t trouble you too much, she can dorm in Cantrell Castle. We have plenty of room, and a daughter for her to hang out with if the boys get too wearying for her. Plus, she can learn archery, or keep up her skills, and swordsmanship is available. And like two monarch’s sealing the fate of their children, the men shook hands on it and slapped each other on the back.

The Viscount made certain one of the empty rooms upstairs was refreshed, wallpapered, and appropriate furnishings were added; bed, desk. Dresser, bookcase. He made sure Brianna gave it her seal of approval, and got back to Sir Drake.  Come the last Friday of the month, Kayleigh would move into the castle and from there register for her first term at Britechester-U, along with the others. In checking their schedules, most of them had similar times to be on campus. This satisfied both parents. No one would be there alone.

Erik was both excited and a tad troubled by the news. He got wind of a rather unflattering rumor that involved him. This weighed on him. Nobody, however, could get him to talk about it. They only knew a scandal had been leaked.

The family celebrated Easter on Saturday with midnight services. That gave them Sunday off, which was good. Erik still had to place his tile on the Avenue of the Stars.  This was set for the late morning, to give him more than enough time to ready himself for the SemiQuaver. He was up for the Best New Artist of the Year.

As before, Joseph recommended he work on either his archery or his swordsmanship to get the nerves out. “Hey, Aaron, how about an archery contest between you and me? What do you say? Come on. Are you scared I might beat you?” Aaron reluctantly gave in, but when Erik hit the bull’s-eye, he threw his hands up and walked away. “I concede.”

Glancing at the time, Erik set his bow aside and ran in doors to get himself ready.
The first award was exciting, and he didn’t expect it. This however was an even bigger honor, and he wanted it. Trying to remember to breathe slowly, in and out, without being too slow, he took a nice Soothing Shower.  Gazing at his chin, he also took a moment to shave his face.  Drying himself off and wrapping a towel around his waist, he beamed himself into his bedroom. There he dressed and called out to Kayleigh if she was going with him, she should consider getting herself ready.

“Oh, is it that time already? Thanks, what time do we have to leave?” she said, busy doing her pre-term homework; and went about the ritual of donning her best dress, careful to add the crown, this time. Their title had been lost, so it wasn’t handed down to her father. But as he was doing their genealogy, that’s when he learned there was a title. DNA tests later, and a lot of paperwork, he was encouraged to create the dynasty, anew, and the family could go forward from there. Drake retired from the military and went immediately into the Noble Career, a surprising requirement.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Erik beamed them both to Del Sol Valley and from there to the third floor, which was the studio, itself.  Taking seats in the front row, the audience trickled in.  The host made it to the microphone and then got the event started.  “Tonight, we honor the best new talent of this year, 2276.  This event is solely for the newcomer. If a newcomer is nominated again, the title switches to the Best Artist of the Year. But I’m getting ahead of myself" Opening up the envelope, she smiled. "This young man, all of sixteen, hit the ground running. All thrusters firing at once.  His music is nearly untouchable. Fresh, new, magical but decidedly rock. You hear a song and you go away humming it. Some have suggested he may well be the next Beethoven. Time will tell.  For now, let’s give a huge welcome to Erik Cantrell! Best New Artist of the Year, 2276!”

“Ooh, snappy dresser, I like it.” she said, as Erik took the stage. Glancing at her he smiled.
“Thank you.”

“I am ecstatic on being the recipient of this prestigious award. I know my older brother is groaning about now. He would say, “Don’t encourage him, please.”
“But, back to it I very much would like to thank the Academy for the nomination, and the Committee for their vote.” 
At this moment someone from the audience hollered out, “It was unanimous.”

Erik’s eyebrows went up. “Well, my goodness, thank you so very much. I’m beside myself, truly. This is a considerable honor.”

Clearing his throat, Erik said, “When you work so hard toward a goal and then you begin to reap what you sowed, it just takes on a new meaning. I find myself humbled by this recognition. I just hope and pray I can keep up with your expectations.”

“I am simply overjoyed.”

“Yea! Good night, everybody, this college student has homework and is on a strict curfew. Thank you!”

Thanks for reading, all for the moment.